Kos Off-Road Jeep or Quad Tour with Lunch

The Dikeos mountains and the panoramic viewpoint

Kos is often seen as a flat beach island, but its southeastern side is dominated by the Dikeos range, which rises to 846 m above sea level. Pine woods, rocky slopes and old shepherds' paths cover the mountains, and the off-road tracks climb through landscapes that most visitors never see. The air is cooler up here and the silence is broken only by bells of goats.

The highlight of the drive is a mountain viewpoint where the whole north coast spreads out below you: long sandy beaches, turquoise shallows and, across the water, the islands of Pserimos and Kalymnos and the hills of the Turkish coast. Our guide stops long enough for photos and explains the geography of the Dodecanese. Many guests say this view alone makes an off-road tour in Kos worth it.

The salt lake near Tigaki

On the north coast, just behind the beach of Tigaki, lies the salt lake known locally as Alykes. Salt was once collected here, and today the lagoon is a protected wetland, one of the most important on the island. In winter and spring it can host flamingos and herons, while in the dry summer months the water shrinks and leaves white crusts of salt along the shore.

The route passes by the lake, giving you a glimpse of a completely different side of Kos, flat and open between the sea and the mountains. It is a calm interlude between the dusty tracks and a favourite spot for photos, especially when the light reflects on the water. The guide points out the birds and plants that live in this fragile habitat.

Olive groves and the countryside of inland Kos

Between the coast and the mountains, inland Kos is a patchwork of olive groves, small fields, dry stone walls and old farmhouses. Many of the olive trees are decades or even centuries old, with twisted silver trunks, and families still harvest them by hand in late autumn. Goats and sheep graze freely on the hillsides, and wild herbs scent the air.

Here the tracks become narrower and bumpier, which is where the 4x4 or quad shows what it can do. If you choose a driving option, the guide sets a steady pace so everyone in the convoy feels in control. If you sit in the passenger seat, you can simply enjoy the scenery and take photos. This is the real countryside behind the holiday resorts of the island.

The traditional mountain café

Halfway through the tour the convoy stops at a traditional café in the mountains, a simple place with a shaded terrace and views over the valleys. It is the kind of spot you would never find alone, used by local farmers as much as by visitors. Coffee or tea with a snack is included, a welcome break after the bumpy tracks.

Take the time to stretch your legs, chat with the guide and ask about life in the villages of Kos. Soft drinks and bottled water are also included throughout the tour, which matters on hot summer days. The tour then continues on the last section of tracks before returning to the base, where a traditional Greek pita lunch is served.

Choosing your option and the best time to go

The default option is a passenger seat in a 4x4 driven by the guide, perfect if you have no licence or simply want to relax. To drive your own 4x4 for up to four people or an automatic quad for two, one driver per vehicle must be at least 19 and hold a valid category B licence; quad drivers get a helmet, a safety briefing and a test drive first. The vehicle insurance has an excess for damage, which the driver covers.

The best time for off-road driving on Kos is spring and autumn, when the hills are green or golden and the heat is mild; in July and August the morning start helps, but expect dust and sun. The lunch is a pita with grilled meat, so tell us about dietary needs when booking: halal meat cannot be guaranteed, but chicken or vegetarian alternatives can usually be arranged.